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HB 8076

AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE -- MANDATORY ARBITRATION PROVISION

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matthew Dawson

Rhode Island motor vehicle insurance policies must include a mandatory arbitration option for claims up to $100,000, with hearings conducted under the court-annexed program.

04/28/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HB 8076

Summary of HB 8076 (Rhode Island, 2026) — Mandatory Arbitration Provision in Motor Vehicle Insurance

Purpose and Intent

  • Establishes a mandatory arbitration option in motor vehicle liability insurance disputes, with the amount in controversy thresholds determining when arbitration applies.
  • Aims to provide a streamlined alternative to court litigation for certain property damage, bodily injury, or death claims arising from motor vehicle ownership, maintenance, or use.

Key Provisions

Arbitration Availability and Thresholds

  • Every Rhode Island motor vehicle liability insurance policy issued by an authorized carrier must include:
    • A provision allowing the plaintiff to elect arbitration for claims where the amount in controversy is:
    • $50,000 or less, or
    • $100,000 or less (the bill text lists “fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) or less” as the applicable range; it appears the intent is to cover claims within $50k to $100k or up to $100k—note the exact phrasing suggests an option to arbitrate within these ranges).
  • The arbitration is conducted under Rhode Island’s court-annexed arbitration program (Chapter 10-3 of Title 10).

Arbitration Process

  • Selection of Arbitrator:
    • After a plaintiff submits to arbitration, one arbitrator is chosen from the list of qualified arbitrators maintained by the court-annexed arbitration program of the Rhode Island Superior Court.
    • Each party shares arbitration expenses according to the program’s rules.
  • Hearings:
    • The arbitrator must set a hearing with at least seven days’ notice.
    • The hearing is informal; the arbitrator may admit documentary evidence and other relevant data.
    • The arbitrator has authority to administer oaths, subpoena witnesses, and require production of books/records.
  • Arbitration Decision:
    • The arbitrator’s decision is binding unless:
    • If suit has not yet been filed, a party reserves the right to a jury trial by giving the other party and the arbitrator 60 days’ notice by certified mail.
    • If suit has been filed, a party may file a request for a jury trial with the court and other parties within 60 days of the arbitrator’s award.
    • If the case proceeds to trial after arbitration, the arbitrator’s decision is not admissible in court.
  • Statute of Limitations:
    • A separate suit must be filed within applicable statutes of limitations, but the suit is stayed until arbitration is completed or the case is ready for trial.

Agreements to Arbitrate and Related Provisions

  • Uninsured motorist contracts are governed by existing arbitration provisions (as referenced in § 10-3-2).
  • All insured individuals must, upon applying for or renewing a motor vehicle operator’s license or registering a motor vehicle, agree in writing (using a form provided by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation) to be bound by these arbitration provisions.

Affected Parties and Items

  • Insurance Carriers: Must include arbitration provisions in all motor vehicle liability policies.
  • Policyholders/Claimants: Eligible to elect arbitration for qualifying claims (up to $50k–$100k, per the bill’s thresholds) and must be offered the process.
  • Rhode Island Superior Court: Maintains the court-annexed arbitration program from which arbitrators are drawn.
  • Department of Transportation: Provides the standardized form for written agreement to be bound by the arbitration provisions at license/applications/registrations.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective Date: The act takes effect upon passage.
  • Scheduling: Arbitration hearing requires at least seven days’ notice.
  • Optional Jury Trial: Parties must act within 60 days of the arbitrator’s award to preserve the right to a jury trial.
  • Stay of Litigation: Filing suit is generally stayed pending arbitration or completion of the arbitration process.

Notes

  • The bill was introduced February 27, 2026, assigned to House Judiciary, recommended for further study by committee as of April 28, 2026.
  • A co-sponsor is Representative Matthew S. Dawson.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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